Dance group "steps up" to new home at Town Hall
Date Published : 07 September 2010
A married couple who have been using Willenhall Leisure Centre to teach dance since 1988 have found a new home at Darlaston Town Hall.
The dance group, which is led by instructors Betty and Frank Smith will use the Victorian hall, recently revamped to the tune of £300,000, every Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Betty and Frank, who have been teaching people to dance for more than 40 years, specialise in Old Tyme & Modern Sequence Dance. The couple, who live off the Mellish Road decided to search for a new venue following the council's decision to close the leisure centre in September.
Betty, who is 81 and Frank, 84 held their first class at the Town Hall last week. Over 40 dancers waltzed in their new surroundings in the afternoon and a further 40 for the evening class.
Betty said: "Our first week at the Town Hall went very well. We're very impressed with this lovely venue and hope to draw in more dancers to our weekly classes."
Walsall's leisure chief, Councillor Anthony Harris said he was pleased that the group had found a new home.
"I'm delighted that the group is moving to Darlaston Town Hall. The venue is truly a magnificent building and is the perfect setting for the group.
"The idea to move to Darlaston was their initiative and one that we were more than happy to support. It's an iconic building and should be the centre for social and community activities.
"We wish them well and hope that championship trophies are in the offering."
Dance classes at Darlaston Town Hall will operate Wednesday afternoons from 1.45pm to 3.45pm and evenings from 7.15pm to 9.45pm. Around 30 to 50 learners take part in the classes each week.
Chris Holliday, head of leisure and culture at Walsall Council added: "We have agreed to give the group a 12 week run to operate the dance class at Darlaston Town Hall and if they're happy to stay, we'll be more than happy to accommodate them."